Simple Experiments to See Thought in Action and Unlock Love Storms

Simple Experiments to See Thought in Action and Unlock Love Storms
Here are some fun and simple experiments to see things “out there” as less solid and unchanging than they seem.
 
Experiment 1: Change What You Think About Something
Pick something you have a definite opinion about but a low attachment to, like a piece of furniture, a recent event, a conversation.

Focus on it. Notice what you like or dislike about it.

What if you thought the exact opposite? Or even no thought at all? How does that change your experience?

What is something you have zero opinion or thought about? How do you feel about that zero-opinion thing?

Do you know someone who sees it differently? What would they say? Start small and avoid hot topics at first.
 
Experiment 2: Taste Without Labels
Take a favourite food, a hated food, and a neutral one.

What would they each taste like if you didn't know how you felt about it? Drop all expectations. What if you'd never eaten that food before?

When I tried this with foods, dropping thoughts felt like tasting for the first time.

Some foods I'd prejudged. I realized I'd never truly experienced them free of judgment before. This was mostly foods that "I didn't like". Some of them I knew I liked; I didn't enjoy them as much without the idea that I "liked" them. 

One surprise: the Smokey Cowboy BBQ sauce my husband loves—I'd decided I hated it. Hadn't really tasted it without prejudice in years. It's delicious. I was wrong. My husband is delighted. We are currently living our happy Smokey Cowboy BBQ sauce life.

In general, the foods I loved already gained a depth without ideas about them in the way. Some of the foods I thought I didn't like, I was wrong about, and some of them I just really don't like.

What do you notice for yourself?
 
Experiment 3: See People Fresh
What preconceived ideas do you have about family, your spouse, or friends?

Statements like “You always…” or “You never…” are signs that you are interacting with your idea of them, not actually them. We perceive others based on our expectations of them.

Who are they without your thinking? Have you met them "clean"?

Wondering about this often changes how we see others all by itself. We begin to recognize what we are putting on others based on our expectations of them and not who they are showing up as in the moment.

If you're up for it, get curious about the others around you and see what happens.
 
Experiment 4: Notice Mood Momentum
Observe your state in a high mood vs. a low mood. Which feels better or more productive?

What do you blame low moods on—hormones, weather, others?

See, it's actually a predominant thought and feeling, building momentum.

Ever found yourself in a thought storm where you forgot why you were angry or you forgot why you were depressed? Sinking thoughts rolling one on top of the other? That feels like you can't get out from under it?

Often, you'll end up numb and disconnected. This is your wisdom giving you a forced break. It's a rest in numbness.

Want a love storm instead?  (She said playfully and subversively.)

Try this:
Focus on a warmth in the middle of your chest. No warmth. Imagine one. Feel the warmth rise? Stay with it.

Feel warmth intensifying and becoming a love feeling that rolls up through your chest to your throat and neck. Lean your head back, stretch it luxuriously. Roll another love idea on top. Maybe focus on someone you love or a pet you love. Keep the love storm going.

We can switch from thought storm to love storm—no psychedelics needed.

Best part? That love feeling is you. It's yours. It never runs out. It's the ultimate renewable resource.

These experiments show a few ways that Thought creates our experience. See that, and triggers or anxiety start to dissolve naturally.

Which experiment calls to you first? Try one this week—what shifts? Share your discoveries with me—I can't wait to hear.

With love,

Sara Joy